Agricultural News

As the situation with the Northwest Oklahoma Fire Complex continues to spread across the NW region of the state, Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Jim Reese and State Forester George Geissler briefed Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays on the latest developments of the efforts to bring the blaze under control. Listen to Hays being briefed by Sec. Reese and State Forester Geissler, by clicking or tapping the LISTEN BAR below at the bottom of this story.

According to Secretary Reese, the fire has claimed approximately 100,000 acres so far and continues to grow. While some progress has been made, Reese says the fire is still officially designated as 0 percent contained. However, Geissler says with the additional Forestry Services resources that have arrived in Oklahoma, his team should now have everything it needs to begin containment efforts, although it will still take some time to fully accomplish this.

“We’re looking at maybe a week plus,” Geissler said. “There’s just a lot of slow, dirty work that needs to be done.”

Secretary Reese advises farmers and ranchers in the affected areas should visit their local Farm Services Agency (AFS) office for help with documenting losses of livestock and property, for proper application of disaster assistance.

“It’s just pretty saddening,” Reese said. “But life goes on. We face a lot of difficulties and we face a lot of trials but we’ll survive this.”